Jun 10, 2021 | Island News
As long time residents of St. Croix, we are thrilled to hear this news about the new medical school! It will be a crucial asset for the Virgin Islands and our neighbors throughout the Caribbean. It will create opportunities for students and the community as well as improve the medical care available to “all ah we”!
University of the Virgin Islands President David Hall announced recently that former Board of Trustees member Donald Sussman, a noted philanthropist, financier and a St. John homeowner, has made a $6 million, landmark donation to establish a medical school at the university. With this donation, the University of the Virgin Islands will continue its efforts to open the first accredited and English-speaking medical school in the Caribbean, with facilities on St. Croix and St. Thomas, and partnerships with medical institutions on all three islands. The UVI S. Donald Sussman School of Medicine would be the first new Historically Black College and University (HBCU) medical school since 1975 and the only public HBCU medical school in the nation.
Read more on St Croix Consortium, Virgin Islands Daily News, and St. Croix Source
#stcroix #usvi #uvi #medical #education #hbcu
May 28, 2021 | Island News
From our May 2021 St Croix Newsletter
Question: “I want to make sure the property I buy is close to where I can exercise my dog. Where can I take my dog to run and play?“
Chris’s Answer:
As you consider all the varied aspects of your future island home, keep this in mind, along with the kinds of activities you and your dogs enjoy together. Do you like to walk, hike, or romp and swim on the beach?
Most days we walk with our dogs. There are great places to walk dogs all over the island. Mixing it up a little makes it more interesting for us, and there’s much more of a variety of fascinating smells for them. Our neighborhood has narrow winding roads, so we tend to drive to our walking spots. This can take from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on where we want to go that day.
Because there are no dog parks on St. Croix, when we want to give them more freedom from being on a leash, we take our dogs to a secluded beach. Hunter and Oscar, love to swim, roll in the sand, and play with their toys. They each have their own favorite toy, and, amazingly, are not interested in the other’s toy.
Many beaches will occasionally have nesting sea turtles. During that time, especially if your dog likes to dig in the sand, going to a nesting beach could endanger turtles. It’s a good idea to check with either USVI Division of Fish and Wildlife, or SEA (St. Croix Environmental Association). They will help you understand the sea turtle nesting and hatching cycles. Also, check with Fish and Wildlife for the current leash restrictions on different beaches. On the street, a dog must be on a leash.
#StCroix #Realtor #Buying #Selling #IslandLiving #Caribbean #dogs #pets #movingtothecaribbean
May 28, 2021 | Island News
From our May 2021 St Croix Newsletter
Question: “I’m interested in buying a condo on St. Croix, and I have a pet. Are there condos which will accept pets? How do I bring my pet to the island?“
Christie’s Answer:
There are several condo complexes which will accept pets, usually with board approval. Some will take only cats, or just inside cats. Others will accept dogs. Often there is a weight or size limit for dogs. Please let us know about your pet, and we will help you find a wonderful condo.
When we moved to St. Croix, we brought two cats with us from Oregon. It was a long day, with 3 different flights. Each cat traveled in a carrier, and those carriers went under the seats in front of us in the airplanes. In between flights, we rented a cart for them, and put a thin sheet over the carriers so that the cats would not be overwhelmed with all they would see around them. Although we brought food and water, they did not take anything until we were in our new home. They traveled amazingly well.
Small dogs can travel in carriers under the seat, too. Larger dogs go in the cargo hold, and can only travel at certain air temperatures. It’s best to check with the airlines to discover their regulations. A friend of ours traveled to St. Croix several times a year with her large Golden Retriever. One time, the dog had to spend a couple of days in Miami until the temperature came down a few degrees for him to travel in the cargo hold. Fortunately, the dog was a sweetheart, and the airline employees enjoyed his company!
#StCroix #Realtor #Buying #Selling #IslandLiving #Caribbean #pets #movingtothecaribbean
May 27, 2021 | Island News
Are you traveling or moving to St. Croix or the Caribbean and wonder how your dog may fare in warm tropical climate? Rest assured, most dogs can adapt to the tropics. Even without air conditioning, your dog can be comfortable. Keeping your dog cool and recognizing heatstroke will be important. A writer for Pethelpful.com and veterinarian shares tips to help your dog handle the heat and humidity in tropical environment. Read the recommendations in full here.
May 24, 2021 | Island News
When moving to St Croix with your pet(s), research ahead to help make the process of traveling and moving with animals easier. Jennie Ogden of GoToStCroix.com recommends getting all your required documents in order and keep the comfort and safety of your pet in mind when making your travel arrangements and while in transit. To bring any pet to the US Virgin Islands consider Jennie’s tips:
- Make travel arrangements for your pet, particularly if you are traveling on an airline.
- Obtain an Import Permit or Health Certificate.
- Ensure you have the proper kennel/carrier for your pet prior to travel.
- The day of travel, hand-carry your Health Certificate and Import Permit with you and allow yourself extra time to check-in and get through airport security.
Read recommendations in full here.
May 24, 2021 | Island News
Agriculture has long been at the heart of St. Croix’s identity dating as far back as the 1600s. The fruitful bounties of food yielded from the Earth have steadily fed generations of families with an assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables. This is why when the COVID-19 pandemic made its way to the island’s shores, it rocked the agriculture community to its core. Every Wednesday and Saturday for as long as many can remember, people would head to Estate La Reine Farmer’s Market to purchase their weekly share of lettuce, tomatoes, provisions, fresh farm eggs, herbs, spices and more. When the global pandemic placed many activities on hold, the farmer’s market was directly affected due to its close-range proximity among vendors. There was no space to allow social distancing, farmers crops were going to waste and regular market attendees were desperate for their farm fresh produce.
With increased calls and reasonable concern from farmers and residents, the VI Department of Agriculture, with advice from the Police Department and Health Department, relocated the farmer’s market to a spacious location to ensure health and safety of the community. Now residents and visitors can experience St. Croix’s vibrant agricultural offerings every Saturday from 5am until 12 noon. Here is where you go to discover a new fruit or try one-of-a-kind foods. Sugar cane juice, locally made pepper sauce, cakes, sweet treats and local fruits and vegetables are available for purchase. As the saying goes, “the early bird catches the worm” so be sure to arrive by 8am to get the best of the various items on sale before it’s all gone.
Market goers can also catch a glimpse of longtime traditions like spotting hot, fresh bread baked in a metal drum or seeing long stalks of sugar cane hand cut with a machete. Grab a Crucian breakfast plate from one of the vendors. Saltfish, johnny cake, cucumbers and spinach will keep bellies full well past lunch time and wash it all down with a cup of our local bush tea. Don’t miss out on visiting St. Croix’s farmer’s market located at the Rudolph Shulterbrandt Agricultural Complex located at #1 Estate Lower Love. Open Saturdays from 5am to 12 noon.
Photo taken by and article written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty
#StCroix #USVI #Caribbean #farmersmarket #foodie
